Something for Everyone

I have the crappiest postage stamp sized conversion to DVD of this movie. I'm joining the chorus when I ask why isn't it on a proper DVD? I too include this film as a guilty pleasure, not because it is inferior, but because it is decadent and so good. It was introduced to me by a friend. For the longest time, it seemed to be our secret. Why didn't anyone seem to know about this film? It had Angela Lansbury, who was in the Manchurian Candidate (pulled by Sinatra for years, I've heard), and Michael York. I've always thought this movie and Cabaret made a great double bill. I guess I will consider myself lucky to at least have a copy, until a proper DVD comes to market.

Thank goodness for Michael York; willing to take oddball roles to continue his career. From this one, on to Cabaret. Also stars Angela Lansbury and Anthony Higgins. Konrad (York) is a go getter in Bavaria. he schemes his way into meeting the beautiful, rich Anneliese. and into the castle. with the cute son of the Countess (Lansbury). his only adversary seems to be Klaus, the butler, who doesn't trust Konrad at all! but the Countess is running out of money, and it's up to Konrad to figure out how to keep the bill collectors away. he thinks he has it all figured out, but someone throws a wrench into the works... fun. and funny. Directed by Harold Prince, who didn't direct many films, but DID work on some of the greats in various occupations. Cabaret, Fiddler, West Side Story. Written by Harry Kressing. Currently showing on youtube streaming vids. fun stuff. Michael York is always good!

A masterpiece of humour with splendid performances by Angela Lansbury, Michael York and a very competent (and well-directed) cast, remains a classic of the genre. The gorgeous Bavarian summer landscape adds an extra flavour to the plot. I still keep the movie's VHS incarnation (very poor quality though). Therefore, I was glad to read that a DVD version had been launched in Spain and ordered it. Much to my regret, however, sound and image quality are totally unacceptable. Original film scratches, blurred image and squeaky sound do the nasty job. "Something for Everyone" surely deserves a first-rate remastering. Let's hope Criterion or some other good label will do it. And, please, with English subtitles, among others.

Harold Prince's black comedy "Something for Everyone" casts Michael York as a man who goes to work for fallen Bavarian aristocrat Angela Lansbury, not refraining from doing what he wants to in order to take over the estate. By extension the movie comes across as a look at how Europe's old aristocracy was forced to accept the new realities of the post-war era. Capitalism had been driving out feudalism for over a century, but the baby boom came of age in an era of the greatest social change in history. No longer would the aristocracy get seen as the most virtuous entity of all (although we all saw the hoopla over William & Kate's wedding, and then their baby). Aside from that, it's a pretty funny movie. The aristocratic family has more than a few skeletons in its closet. Not the funniest movie, but worth seeing. It's apparently available on DVD, but I could only find a VHS copy.

This is one of only two movies directed by multi-Tony winning Broadway (and opera) director Hal Prince and redeems him for the ghastly film adaptation of his brilliant stage work on Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Angela Lansbury is beautiful and brilliant as a penniless countess who is desperate to save her beloved Schloss - played in part (the Schloss, that is) by one of Mad Ludwig's castles whose construction costs bankrupted Bavaria. Other reviewers have commented on the Machiavellian plot, with Michael York charming and subversive as the upwardly mobile manservant. Black humor with clever dialogue, beautiful sets and costumes and fine performances all around. For some reason, in its theatrical release, it was NOT, in fact, "for everyone", but this movie is long overdue for release on DVD and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

I remember this film from the 70s...it was one of my favourites. Finally got hold of a copy from the USA. Unfortunately the scene between Conrad and the son was cut out, but otherwise it was still brilliant. Angela Lansbury was superb. Seemed a role made for her. Anuntie Mame gone upmarket and euro. If you can find a copy to rent, do it. A ten from me.

The wit and glinting malice of this film, combined with stellar performances by Michael York, Angela Lansbury and the completely delectable Jane Carr, keep it as fresh as the day it was released. I've watched it over a dozen times in my life, always with renewed enjoyment. Delicious!

Charming, machiavellian drifter manipulates widowed aristocrat and her family to gain control of the estate. Exemplary characters and script, and striking scenery for atmosphere. Viewers may also enjoy "A New Leaf" (1971).(Rating: A)

One of my favorites of 1970, this intelligent script certainly took me my surprise back then. I've never been an Angela Lansbury fan (except for The Manchurian Candidate and Gaslight), but she's finally perfectly cast and Michael York actually had a persona back then (two years before Cabaret) and gave some interesting performances in the 1970's. I imagine this is available on DVD and video. Even the unknown films of the 70's had some expert screenwriters and this one probably didn't even make a dime. Beautiful terrain and cinematography make this a delightful piece with real wit and class. An 8 out of 10! Best performance = A. Lansbury.

Thank god I had the good sense back in 1984 to video tape this movie. I got all but the last 2 minutes of it and I kick myself every-time for not adjusting the clock on my video recorder. I paid $750.00 for that VCR back in 1984 because it had fast forward, slow motion and freeze frame capabilities. Now, when I look at my $199.00 Sony HD video pocket camcorder I think back to how times have changed. This movie is such a classic I am surprised that it is ignored by TCM, the Independent Film Channel and every other cable movie channel out there. It is just unbelievable what a mistake they are all making in not showing this movie. The rant by Angela Lansbury after the party is one of her greatest scenes and I show it to everyone young person who think they know all there is to know about her. It seems none of them have even heard of this movie. What a shame that fact is.